As urban gardens grow smaller, homeowners and designers are increasingly looking for materials that are both versatile and visually striking. Corten steel, with its warm rust-like patina and durability, is increasingly becoming the go-to choice for city gardens, terraces, and compact outdoor spaces.
Why Corten works in urban gardens
Corten steel naturally develops a protective, weathered finish, meaning it requires minimal maintenance – perfect for busy city dwellers. Its slim, clean lines can make even small spaces feel structured and elegant, while its earthy tones provide a beautiful contrast to greenery, paving, and decking. Thanks to its strength, it's gives the option to create height where ground space is a premium, with structures such as staggered planters, steps and vertical planters.
Creative uses for Corten in compact spaces
Here’s where we‘re seeing the widest use of Corten in smaller outdoor spaces:
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Water features: small fountains or reflective water walls can add a sense of calm without taking up valuable space.
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Planters & raised beds: sleek, vertical, or tiered planters maximise planting area and create a focal point.
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Edging & steps: Corten provides a strong, low-maintenance boundary for planting beds, paths, or steps in tight gardens.
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Bespoke urban features: benches, screens, and sculptural elements crafted from Corten can double as art and functionality.
Why designers and homeowners are choosing it
For garden designers, Corten offers a material that is adaptable, lightweight for modular designs, and easy to integrate into urban layouts. For homeowners, it’s a way to achieve a professional, sculptural look with minimal upkeep – perfect for small city gardens where every detail counts.
Bringing Corten to life in your garden
At Arthur Francis Sculpture, we specialise in creating bespoke Corten features tailored to your space. From compact water features to elegant planters and sculptural elements, we help you make the most of every square metre.
Interested in transforming your city garden with Corten? Get in touch to discuss a bespoke solution.
